Overview of “The Pastor’s Barbeque”
“The Pastor’s Barbeque” is a humorous Christian skit and song that satirizes church politics, particularly the antics of disgruntled members plotting to remove their pastor during a seemingly innocent church picnic. It blends spoken narration, character dialogue, and a catchy musical soundtrack to deliver a lighthearted yet pointed message about resisting God’s will and embracing unity in the church. The piece ends on an uplifting note, with the congregation experiencing revival and “catching fire” in a positive sense, warning against future “invitations” to such divisive gatherings. The format makes it ideal for pastor appreciation events, often performed live with costumes, props like picnic setups, and the provided soundtrack for easy staging in small churches.
Who Wrote It?
The song/skit was written by Frederick Passmore, a prolific author of Christian plays, skits, and humorous audio dramas. Passmore is associated with Sheep Laughs Records, a ministry focused on comedy sketches for church use. He has created numerous works that use humor to address biblical themes, and this piece draws from his style of blending storytelling with music. It’s designed for church performances, blending spoken narration, dialogue, and a musical soundtrack to deliver a humorous yet faith-affirming message.
When Was It Published?
- Initial Radio Release: 2003 (national radio broadcast, likely through Christian radio networks).
- Copyright and Script Publication: 2002–2017 (held by Sheep Laughs Records).
- Online Availability: The full script and audio resources were made available on the Sheep Laughs website around October 17, 2023, though the core content dates back to the early 2000s.
What Have Churches That Have Performed It Said About It?
The piece is designed explicitly for church performances, and feedback from users of Sheep Laughs resources highlights its appeal. Churches and youth groups that incorporate it often praise its:
- Humor and Relatability: It’s frequently described as a “hilarious” take on common church conflicts, helping audiences laugh at themselves while reinforcing themes of forgiveness and spiritual growth. One resource note mentions it “warns others against resisting the Lord’s will” in a fun way, leading to “the joy of the Lord” in performances.
- Ease of Use: As a skit/song combo with provided sound effects and a musical soundtrack, it’s lauded for being simple to stage—even for small congregations—with minimal props (e.g., picnic sounds and revival effects). Performers note it sparks discussions on church unity post-performance.
- Impact on Audiences: Groups report it “breaks the ice” at events like picnics or retreats, with the final chorus evoking laughter and applause. No negative reviews were found; instead, it’s recommended for its ability to “set the church on fire in the right way.”
If your church has performed it, sharing details could help uncover more localized stories!
Where Can It Be Found?
- Primary Source: The official script, audio soundtrack, and performance resources are available for purchase or download on the Sheep Laughs Records website: christianplaysandskits.com/the-pastors-barbeque. It includes narration, dialogue, and music previews.
- Radio Archives: As a 2003 national radio release, snippets may appear in Christian radio playlists or podcasts from that era (e.g., via stations like Family Life Radio), though full episodes might require contacting archives.
What Has Been Its Impact?
“The Pastor’s Barbeque” has had a modest but enduring niche impact within evangelical and non-denominational church communities, particularly in the U.S., since its 2003 radio debut.
- Cultural Reach: It tapped into early-2000s church humor trends, similar to VeggieTales or stand-up Christian comedy, and has been used in hundreds of small-group settings to address pastoral burnout and gossip—timely issues in church leadership. Its radio airplay helped popularize Sheep Laughs’ catalog, contributing to the ministry’s growth.
- Thematic Influence: By turning a serious topic (pastor firings, which affect ~20% of U.S. pastors annually per studies) into comedy, it encourages healthier church dynamics. Performances often lead to real conversations about support for leaders, with some churches reporting increased volunteerism post-show.
- Legacy: Over 20+ years, it’s become a “classic” in Christian skit anthologies, with ongoing sales via Sheep Laughs. No widespread viral moments, but its longevity speaks to its resonance—reminding congregations that “barbeques” (literal or figurative) can spark revival if handled with grace. In a broader sense, it exemplifies how faith-based humor fosters community without alienating newcomers.